Experience Astronomy
The online astronomy curriculum for middle- and high-school students who want a high quality astronomy course plus plus an engaging, hands-on experience.
Astronomy in middle school and high school is more than just glancing up at night, and watching episodes of Magic School Bus.
In middle school and high school, your child needs to learn a subject at a deeper level than they have before.
Not just reading about a topic, but writing about it.
Not just watching and absorbing, but asking questions and discovering answers.
They need to learn how to use their hands, eyes, and mind to experience science so they can build deeper knowledge and understanding, and prepare them for whatever is next in their educational journey.
If this sounds intimidating, then maybe you’re assuming you’ll have to be the one bringing the full educational experience to your child. But hands-on learning for your student can be hands-off for you.
You don’t need to be Neil deGrasse Tyson for your kids to learn astronomy.
If this sounds intimidating, then maybe you’re assuming you’ll have to be the one bringing the full educational experience to your child. But hands-on learning for your student can be hands-off for you.
In fact, you don’t have to know any science at ALL for your child to get a high quality science education!
Maybe when you were in school, astronomy was barely covered (except in Greek mythology lessons) … but now your child is deeply interested in the constellations and solar system and you don’t know where to start!
That’s where we come in.
Introducing
Astronomy lessons so engaging & hands-on that your middle and high school students can practically teach themselves!
Experience Astronomy in 4 Steps…
Engaging Video Lessons
Comprehension Quiz
Field Guide Assignment
Reading assignment
Optional high school track:
Experience Astronomy PLUS (Level C)!
When students sign up for Experience Astronomy Level C, they can earn high school credit. In addition to everything included in Level B, students receive exclusive access to 12 extra training videos plus corresponding assignments to take them deeper into the study of astronomy.
Students learn about the fascinating connections between human cultures and astronomy all over the world. From the writings of Plato and Cicero, to the building of famous archeoastronomy sites like Stonehenge in England, the Chichen Itza in Mexico, to the tower of Babel, students explore how ancient peoples interacted with the sky in their everyday lives.
Students also learn about modern space exploration — from the invention of space telescopes, to human voyages to the moon, to space probes visiting the outer planets, to fascinating insights into intergalactic space.
I wondered if my son would be able to complete Experience Astronomy independently…
Would there be enough accountability? Would he be engaged? I’m so happy to say the answer has been “Yes!” The combination of a weekly video, quiz, and scheduled outdoor activities each week was perfect. My son has found it highly enjoyable. He has been inspired to learn the night sky and teach his younger brother too. This has been a valuable resource!
CHOOSE FROM 2 EXPERIENCE ASTRONOMY PROGRAMS
Option 1:
Experience Astronomy PLUS (Level C)!
This track will give your student plenty of options to acquire enough hours for high school credit! And it’s perfect for students who want to delve deeper into the study of stronomy.
Option 2:
Experience Astronomy (Level B)!
Our homeschool had been turned upside down with family and health issues…
…so my daughter needed structure—something that would be there for us every week but would be flexible enough that she could use it at any time. Experience Astronomy was the perfect answer for our situation. We could count on science for that time period.
I didn’t know if Experience Astronomy PLUS would be challenging enough for my high schooler…
I hadn’t ever enrolled in an online course and was was new to homeschooling. I’ve been very impressed with the assignments the upper level students complete and especially like the tie in to scripture for some of the projects. I highly recommend your program. My only wish is that there were more courses for my high school student to do!
Select a Program and Enroll
Experience Astronomy (Level B)
for Students 12+- 35 weekly video lessons beginning in September
- Field Guide with weekly observation assignments*
- Stargazing video tutorials
- Student Guidebook with fill-in-the blank outlines and study guides*
- Weekly comprehension quizzes
- Optional reading assignments from the Signs & Seasons textbook
- Course guide
Exclusive Access to 12 advanced training videos with Mr. Gilkerson
12 Corresponding hands-on, Bible, and literature based astronomy projects
Certificate of completion
- Payment plans now available!
- Generous multi-student discounts available for families with level B and C students taking the same course in the same year
Experience Astronomy PLUS (Level C)
for High School Credit- 35 weekly video lessons beginning in September
- Field Guide with weekly observation assignments*
- Stargazing video tutorials
- Student Guidebook with fill-in-the blank outlines and study guides*
- Weekly comprehension quizzes
- Reading assignments from the Signs & Seasons textbook, required for high school credit
- Course guide
- Exclusive access to 12 advanced training videos with Mr. Gilkerson
- 12 Corresponding hands-on, Bible, and literature based astronomy projects
- Certificate of completion
- Payment plans now available!
- Generous multi-student discounts available for families with level B and C students taking the same course in the same year
*Field Guide and Student Guidebook are provided as a pdf download with the purchase of the course. You may purchase a physical copy of the books separately.
Ready to Experience Astronomy?
Check out two free lessons in any course and any level by clicking here and get ready for an adventure!
I was concerned enrolling my kids in Experience Astronomy wouldn’t be a good use of our financial resources…
However, by my estimate, each week’s lesson costs just a few dollars per week—an excellent value!
You’ve got questions… we’ve got answers!
What is covered in the course?
What is included in my purchase?
You’ll have access to all lesson and observational videos along with PDF downloads of the student guidebook, field guide, curriculum guide, and answer keys (maybe list out all of the things that are available in the parent/student resource areas…they will be slightly different for each class.)
Should you want a physical copy of the guidebook or field guide, those are available for purchase in our store. It is highly recommended that you purchase the textbook Signs & Seasons.
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How long will my student have access to this course?
We recommend students begin this course between the 3rd week of August and 3rd week of September for optimal viewing of constellations as they’re learning about them. We understand this does not work with every family’s schedule though. So we have created an alternative schedule for those starting the course outside of that window along with instructions for using an online planetarium as needed.
Which class is right for my child: the elementary or the upper level course?
- Video lessons are longer than the elementary-level videos and taught using language more suitable for teens.
- The concepts taught in the upper level course go much deeper than the elementary course, which is more basic.
- The upper level has weekly outdoor observation activities (often in the late evening or early morning) which are more appropriate for those looking for an observational/lab science. Activities in the elementary course include more hands-on creative projects, better for younger children.
- The recommended reading for the upper level courses is a textbook geared more towards teens. Reading assignments for the elementary course are living books that can be used as read-alouds or assigned as independent reading, geared towards students ages 6-11.
How does the high school PLUS track differ from the Basic track?
Your students will also be able to participate in 12 extra trainings with Mr. Gilkerson where they’ll go deeper in the study of astronomy. The trainings will give your student the opportunity to learn about the fascinating connections between human cultures and astronomy around the world and will also dive into studies of modern explorations of space.
The extra assignments and trainings will be enough to allow students to earn high school credit for this course.
In most states, students need to accumulate at least 120 hours of instruction and course work to receive high school credit. Experience Astronomy PLUS provides enough coursework so your child can accumulate these hours (plus 30 more!).
How much time per week will this class take?
Experience Astronomy (Level B)
Experience Astronomy Level B takes students on an adventure of discovering the Lord’s sky over the course of 35 weekly lessons. There are a number of components to each of these lesson:
- Weekly video lessons (20-25 minutes)
- Observation activities take (15-30 minutes)
- Quizzes are also offered weekly (15 minutes or less).
- Weekly reading assignments assigned from Sign & Seasons (varies)
Experience Astronomy PLUS (Level C)
Experience Astronomy PLUS builds on our Level B program—with all the same lectures, quizzes, and outdoor sky observations—and then takes students to the next level.
In addition to all of the assignments from the Level B program, students will have 12 extra lessons throughout the year (one is released every 2-3 weeks) with an accompanying project or research paper. Students should plan to spend at least 2 hours per week on the lesson and/or working on their projects.
Does my child have to view the course videos on specific days?
No, students can watch the lessons any time throughout the week. Once released, each video can be reviewed as many times as the student wants through the end of the course.
Lessons correspond to weekly outdoor observation activities. Because one of the goals of the class is to see the changes and movements in the sky over the course of nine months, we recommend students begin this course between the 3rd week of August and 3rd week of September for optimal viewing of constellations as they’re learning about them. We understand this does not work with every family’s schedule though. So we have created an alternative schedule for those starting the course outside of that window along with instructions for using an online planetarium as needed.
Can I enroll more than one child in this course at the same time?
What is your discount for enrolling multiple students?
What kind of outdoor observation activities will be expected of my student?
Most activities can be completed in 15-30 minutes, but all of these activities involve going outside at specific times. Some will require students to go out at 10pm, at midnight, at 5am, etc. So while the course activities are relatively easy, they need to be done at specific times.
One of the goals of the class is to see the changes and movements in the sky over the course of nine months. We recommend students begin this course between the 3rd week of August and 3rd week of September for optimal viewing of constellations as they’re learning about them. We understand this does not work with every family’s schedule though. So we have created an alternative schedule for those starting the course outside of that window along with instructions for using an online planetarium as needed.
What about bad weather? Or light pollution?
• Be sure to always take advantage of good weather. However, most outdoor activities can be postponed a week or so without a problem.
• The course focuses on the brightest, most-obvious constellations, many of which are viewable even in suburban locations.
• When the bad weather doesn’t let up or activities can not be completed due to light pollution, there is an alternative. You can use an online planetarium to complete your assignments. (You will receive instructions for how to do this as part of the course.)
Do you teach about creation or evolution in this course?
Can my student earn high school credit for this course?
We now offer a high school track, Experience Astronomy PLUS so your child can accumulate these hours (plus 30 more!). They’ll need to complete all of the following to accumulate the necessary course hours:
- complete all the course lectures
- take all the quizzes and exams
- complete all recommended readings
- complete all outdoor observation assignments as part of the regular course
- watch all 12 advanced level training videos
- complete 12 advanced level projects
Please note: our basic level Experience Astronomy course does not include enough hours for most students to receive credit. If you are intending your student to earn high school credit, be sure to select the Experience Astronomy PLUS program upon sign up.
Can I take this course if I live outside the United States?
Do you offer options to use this in a co-op?
Our co-op courses are set up differently than our family programs to accommodate groups. You can learn more about our co-op courses here.
Please note: because of the way our group programs are set up, we are not able to communicate with individual parents of students within co-ops.
What additional books or supplies will I need for this course?
Though not required, your student would benefit from a small red flashlight to assist in drawing outside without destroying their night vision.
The textbook Signs and Seasons: Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy, by Jay Ryan is highly recommended. This is the finest textbook on the market for learning about the motions of the heavens.
The student guidebook and field guide are included with the course as free PDF downloads, but you can purchase hard copies in our store if you’d prefer.
Who is the instructor?
What is your refund policy?
Because we have a lot of light pollution around us, I was concerned we wouldn’t have a good place to view the sky…
It’s hard for us to get away from the light pollution and houses that block our view at night. But we made regular use of the online planetarium recommended for the observation assignments. The kids also spent a lot of time identifying constellations any time we were outside and it was a clear night. That worked well for us. My kids have learned a lot. I catch them telling other people about constellations whenever we’re outside at night.
A few of the things your student will learn…
and so much more!
Ready to Experience Astronomy?
Check out two free lessons in any course and any level by clicking here and get ready for an adventure!
We have a Fabulous Fit Promise. We want this course to be a fabulous fit for your family. Based on our parent and student feedback, we think you will be delighted with the course.
However, we offer a 100% money-back, happiness guarantee within 30 days from of the course start dat OR 6 months from the purchase date (whichever is less).
Our science curriculum was stale. I wanted to spend time with my son on a subject we could enjoy together…
I loved getting outside with my son and doing the observation activities. The videos always had something that we really related well to and could remember even beyond test. And I really enjoyed the teaching on classic mythology—it’s something Christian curricula is often afraid to touch, but it opened up lots of good discussion about worldview.
Access Your Lessons on Any Device
I wanted a fun, self-guided science course that didn’t take too much of my brain-power…
I am typically very involved in teaching science, but I needed a break this year. Thank you so much for providing this wonderful course. The videos are well done and you’re such an engaging teacher. Experience Astronomy has been a HUGE blessing to me and my family, and I recommend it to homeschoolers ready to experience astronomy in their own backyards!
I was concerned that the course wouldn’t be relevant to us in England…
However this hasn’t been a problem at all. We’ve been very thankful to be able to email questions when we haven’t understood things or are confused about things. We would encourage anyone to sign up for the course—it is fascinating and so informative for the whole family.
I needed a class that that would save me from ordering lots of books, planning the schedule, and doing all the grading myself…
This year we decided to homeschool. The only things my two kids needed for the astronomy class was one binder for assignments in black and white and one download. The combination of audio and visual lessons, then quiz, followed by a hands-on assignment worked very well for our family.
My main concern was the cost of enrolling both of my children in a program that we knew very little about. Our family’s income was very limited, and this was a big sacrifice.
…But out of all the science classes we have taken, this one has been the absolute best. The teaching was excellent, the videos streamed and played well, the content was amazing, and the activities were not only fun, but educational and meaningful. It was worth the sacrifice—these are memories that will last a lifetime!
Science comes alive with Experience Astronomy!
Ready to Experience Astronomy?
Check out two free lessons in any course and any level by clicking here and get ready for an adventure!
Select a Program and Enroll
Experience Astronomy (Level B)
for Students 12+- 35 weekly video lessons beginning in September
- Field Guide with weekly observation assignments*
- Stargazing video tutorials
- Student Guidebook with fill-in-the blank outlines and study guides*
- Weekly comprehension quizzes
- Optional reading assignments from the Signs & Seasons textbook
- Course guide
Exclusive Access to 12 advanced training videos with Mr. Gilkerson
12 Corresponding hands-on, Bible, and literature based astronomy projects
Certificate of completion
- Payment plans now available!
- Generous multi-student discounts available for families with level B and C students taking the same course in the same year
Experience Astronomy PLUS (Level C)
for High School Credit- 35 weekly video lessons beginning in September
- Field Guide with weekly observation assignments*
- Stargazing video tutorials
- Student Guidebook with fill-in-the blank outlines and study guides*
- Weekly comprehension quizzes
- Reading assignments from the Signs & Seasons textbook, required for high school credit
- Course guide
- Exclusive access to 12 advanced training videos with Mr. Gilkerson
- 12 Corresponding hands-on, Bible, and literature based astronomy projects
- Certificate of completion
- Payment plans now available!
- Generous multi-student discounts available for families with level B and C students taking the same course in the same year
*Field Guide and Student Guidebook are provided as a pdf download with the purchase of the course. You may purchase a physical copy of the books separately.
